Description
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and wide egg noodles enveloped in a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden bubbly Colby Jack cheese topping, it’s an easy-to-make family favorite perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
Pasta & Protein
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Sauces & Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fats & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Thickener & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk to the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season Sauce: Stir in lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to flavor the creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add shredded cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked noodles to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from rotisserie, leftover roast, or poached chicken breasts for convenience.
- Feel free to swap mixed vegetables with your favorites or seasonal veggies.
- For a richer flavor, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Ensure noodles are cooked al dente to avoid a mushy casserole after baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; just bake it before serving.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
